The Efficiency of Domestic Solid Fuel Appliances

Abstract

The measurement cf the efficiency with which a domestic appliance burning solid fuel utilizes its fuel is not an easy matter. Moreover, many British types of appliance, notably the open fire, form an integral part of the structure of the house ; the true efficiency is therefore not a simple function of the appliances itself, but is dependent both on the appliance and the structure in which it is installed. It is for this reason that the " test-bench " efficiency, in the measurement of which the appliance itself is regarded as the dominant factor, usually represents an under-estimate of the true value of the appliance in the home. The functions and the limitations of the test-bench efficiency, and its relation to " room-heating " efficiency, are demonstrated, using the case of the open fire as an example.